“The Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew,” an oil painting on canvas by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, created in 1722, is a profound representation of the Rococo art movement. Measuring 139 x 167 cm, this religious painting is housed in the San Stae church in Venice, Italy.
The artwork captures the harrowing moment of the martyrdom of St. Bartholomew. The composition is dominated by dramatic lighting and intense emotional expressions. The saint, central to the painting, is depicted in a state of anguish, his body contorted and bound. The stark contrast between light and shadow amplifies the poignancy of the scene, highlighting the figure of St. Bartholomew and the cruel actions of his captors. The rendering of muscles and drapery exhibits Tiepolo’s mastery in portraying both physical and emotional weight, characteristic of the Rococo style. The use of rich, warm colors and dynamic forms further enhances the intensity and theatricality of the moment.
